DAY TWO  November 4, 2005
Witherspoon, Phoenix WALK THE LINE at AFI FESTJames Mangold's Film Makes Awards Play
by Brent Simon
If talking about love is like dancing about architecture--a hopeless and silly proposition--then talking about music might rank close behind, so difficult is it to put into properly quantifiable words the way songs and harmonic compositions can transport us to other places, make us happy or sad, remind us instantly of secret yearnings and open heartbreaks.
 While there were in his lifetime certainly hundreds, if not thousands, of voices more technically gifted than his, Johnny Cash's was instantly recognizable, and uniquely moving. Listening to his songs, he took you places--and then took his rightful place in the American pantheon of legendary singer-songwriters.
WALK THE LINE, directed by James Mangold, is a celebration of Cash's artistry, and the anchoring presence of the love of his life, wife June Carter Cash. Opening theatrically on November 18, the film is already
 picking up steam as an awards contender--either despite or because of its musical pedigree, depending on whom you ask. Stars Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon--both musical novices--learned to play instruments for their roles, and may end up picking up various awards season statuettes for their troubles.
At this rate, can a Liberace biopic be far behind? Who knows. But this much is certain: music will continue to move us, and films that remind us of this fact likely will as well.
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